LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard left Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to thoracic spasms.
Leonard was seen leaving the arena in street clothes, indicating that he would not return.
Kawhi Leonard is suffering from Thoracic spasms and has left Crypto-com Arena.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) March 13, 2024
The Clippers confirmed at halftime that Leonard is dealing with thoracic spasms. This is the first significant injury absence for Leonard and his co-star Paul George this season.
The Clippers are currently in a race for the first seed in the Western Conference, and Leonard’s absence would certainly impact their chances.
Although there is no specific timetable for his return, the Clippers had to finish the game without him.
Leonard, who appeared on the injury report with left groin soreness, did not show any signs of injury during the game.
He has been relatively healthy throughout the season and has been a key player for the team, averaging impressive stats.
Leonard’s health is crucial for the Clippers’ success in making a long-awaited NBA Finals run.
He left the game after the first quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game due to “thoracic spasms”, or more simply, back spasms.
Kawhi Leonard is OUT for the remainder of Clippers-Wolves with thoracic spasms.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 13, 2024
It was revealed that Leonard had been dealing with back spasms since the beginning of the game. He attempted to play through the discomfort but was not performing at his best.
This new injury comes after Leonard missed a previous game due to groin soreness.
The Clippers currently hold the fourth-place spot in the Western Conference and are 3 games behind the first-place Nuggets and Thunder.
There is a possibility that the team will have to continue their pursuit of the top seed without Leonard.
Fans reacted as follows.
But why is he leaving the arena? Players don’t leave unless they have to go to emergency
— Shawn 🍝 (@JustAKidwHoop) March 13, 2024
That load management is working out well @LAClippers
— Matt S. (@Matthew_S3) March 13, 2024
His back hurts?
— Name cannot be blank (@_seize_today_) March 13, 2024
Reads like a heart thing but is a back thing?
— Tom S. (@ObiWanKobe) March 13, 2024
ok twitter doctors, please explain this and tell us how minor it is and that he won’t miss any time and that it’ll somehow make him better.
— Jesse Carmichael (@jessecarmichael) March 13, 2024
That sounds minor in the scheme of things….but man if he doesn't always freak us out as a fan base by doing things like leaving at half time 😂 Obviously hoping he gets healthy soon.
— Sami Naber (@sami_naber5) March 13, 2024
My Gawd! I hope it's something chiropractor can figure fix. The team ain't win a single round without Kawhi
— Sheriff O (@Sheriffsavio) March 13, 2024
Here’s Kawhi Leonard telling Tyronn Lue something on the Clippers bench before stretching and departing during the 1st quarter timeout. Looked like he was in some discomfort.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 13, 2024
Spasms can be caused by groin issues, favoring one side of the body over the other. Kawhi will (should) be out for a while.
— ric rob (@devoooo) March 13, 2024
